Sourcing Property

Recent articles

One of the joys of owning an older home is the beautiful period features that it has to offer. Whether it be exposed wooden ceiling beams, dainty etched glass panels in doors, ornate cornicing or grand fireplaces, very often it is period treasures that gives a property its distinct character.

House builders in the South West were recycling as far back as the beginning of the 20th Century by using by products of the Cornish Tin industry to manufacture cheap concrete. However, years on these blocks can crumble like sugar lumps if exposed to water. So what is the extent of problem of Mundic Block and should investors give any property constructed from concrete a wide berth?

New properties are almost always more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and economical to run than older ones. They’re generally well planned, adapted to contemporary lifestyles and many are covered by structural guarantees that reduce the potential for unpleasant – and expensive – surprises. Add to this the variety of properties on offer – from stylish apartments to traditionally designed family houses – and it’s no wonder that brand new homes have been popular.

Whilst I get to see a fair share of older, character properties on my travels, it is quite rare for us to visit a property with a thatched roof. Many properties with thatched roofs are period cottages and homes that have that ‘chocolate box’ charm and if located in a rural location with other similar properties, this alone can be quite appealing. With renewed interest in our historic architecture, thatching is once again, becoming more popular, but are houses with thatched roofs property investor / developer fodder – or more trouble than their worth…

Empty properties are abit of a sore point for most councils and local authorities. Aside from the fact that they are often the cause of complaint to the council by neighbours and local residents because of their unsightly appearance, they can also attract other anti-social issues such as squatters and criminals. But what about their appeal to property investors...?

I visited a property recently that has to go down as one of my all time favourites! It was lovingly nicknamed it ‘The Teletubies House’ – no reflection on the people that lived there, but the fact that it was built virtually underground.

According to research by the Halifax a few years ago, the happiest type of home in Britain is the bungalow, which is rated by its occupants as an average of 8.15 out of 10 on a 'happiness' scale.And with this choice of dwellings contining to out-perform houses and flats in the property market, what options does a property developer have to 'add value' to a bungalow?

Few building plots are perfectly flat, the right size and shape for your dream home, with good access and in the right location. Self Builders usually have to overcome challenges with a plot, but if the site is very problematic, it can cost you dearly.